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No Rinse No Wipe and 2 Min Kill of C diff
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Hospital Grade Disinfectants

by sphmedicaladmin

Reduce the Risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections with OXYdiff

The risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) from dangerous pathogens is a constant threat to patients during treatment. This risk is exacerbated by invasive procedures like surgery, severe illnesses, the misuse of antibiotics and neglect of best practices. Although, the use of proper hospital grade disinfectants and adhering to best practices for cleaning can help reduce the risk of patients contracting HAIs. Recently receiving an updated approval by the EPA, OXYdiff is a disinfectant capable of killing some of the most dangerous pathogens in the hospital setting, protecting patients. Formerly known as Noroxycdiff, this environmentally friendly disinfectant is primarily made with Hydrogen Peroxide. OXYdiff has also received an upgrade with an Emerging Pathogens approval.

Hospital-Acquired Infections

HAIs lead to medical costs of over $28.4 billion every year. These infections are often caused by hard-to-kill bacteria and can lead to severe conditions like sepsis for already vulnerable patients. With the right prevention measures in place, healthcare facilities can reduce HAIs by up to 70%. This makes it crucial for hospitals to use a safe and effective hospital grade disinfectants that targets deadly bacteria and viruses in the prevention process.

However, not all hospital disinfectants are created equal. Not all disinfectants are capable of killing all of the deadly pathogens that threaten patients, such as Clostridium deficile, a dangerous spore forming bacteria. Bleach is often touted as a solution since it is capable of killing the bacteria, but bleach comes with its own disadvantages. Bleach emits toxic fumes that are harmful to patients and staff and can even damage equipment due to its corrosive properties.

An Effective Hospital Grade Disinfectant

OXYdiff targets and kills dangerous pathogens, like Norovirus, MRSA and Clostridium deficile and is easy to use in any setting. OXYdiff has a 2 minute kill time for Clostridium deficile, also known as C. diff. C. diff is considered one of the most difficult pathogens to kill and poses a serious threat to patients as it can remain on surfaces for five months and has no response to alcohol.

OXYdiff’s versatility gives healthcare professionals the ability to effectively and efficiently protect patients without the risks of other disinfectants. OXYdiff requires no rinsing and no wiping during application, making the process quick and easy and allowing healthcare staff to focus on patient care. The non-toxic formula simply needs to be sprayed using a spray bottle, electrostatic sprayer, or applied using a fogger.

Using OXYdiff as a hospital grade disinfectant in a hospital setting can significantly reduce the risk of patients contracting an HAI while providing a safe and harmless alternative to other disinfectants. Ultimately, OXYdiff can help save lives, reduce healthcare costs and maintain peace of mind for healthcare professionals and patients alike.

SPH Medical Delivers Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks
CategoriesPatient Handling

Essential supply of Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks

by sphmedicaladmin

NIOSH certified N95 Masks, and Nitrile Exam Grade gloves are personal protection equipment (PPE) to provide safety for medical staff and people in a variety of different settings. N95 masks are designed to preventing particles and in some cases liquids from coming into contact with your mouth and respiratory system. Nitrile Exam Gloves are an essential layer of protection to prevent hands from coming in contact with fluids, drugs and other pathogens, even protection from needles. When it comes to preventing the spread of microorganisms, bacteria and viruses, it is necessary to use interventions from all levels of control. Since COVID-19, the trend for personal protection equipment has spiked. In this article, we will discuss face mask options, growing trends and what the future look like for PPE.

A Protective Face Mask

Typical face masks are products worn on the face to cover the mouth and nose. The primary purpose of a face mask is to provide some level of filtration to prevent breathing in small particles of dust or as in the case of the recent pandemic airborne pathogens.  At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic cloth face coverings exploded as everyone scrambled for some level of personal protection. However we eventually learned that the generic cloth masks really offered very little protection as a filtration device. Cloth face masks, do not replace N95 respirators or other Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) that have been tested to define their actual filtration level.

Surgical Masks

A surgical mask is a disposable, loose-fitting device worn to protect the wearer’s mouth and nose and certainly their lungs from external contaminants. To clarify the surgical mask described here is the 3ply or 4ply typically blue but sometimes green mask worn by healthcare workers during patient care.  Traditionally a surgical mask in the hospital would have a 4 tie configuration or ear loops. This type of disposable filtration device is typically tested at 95% – 98% filtration levels but is not the same as an N95 respirator. It does provide filtration but does not have the same seal around the nose and mouth, nor does it typically have the dual head bands that are required by NIOSH to qualify as an N95.

There are different types of surgical masks, some have a documented level of fluid resistance that can be critical in a surgical environment. The purpose of surgical masks is to block large particles from reaching the mouth. Sprays, droplets, splashes, and splatters may contain germs, such as bacteria and viruses. Masks may also reduce the exposure of respiratory secretions and saliva to others. Even though a surgical mask does block certain contaminants, it does not block or filter very small particles.  And due to the loose fit between the mask’s surface and your face, surgical masks do not offer complete protection against germs and other contaminants. Today you will often see healthcare providers wearing both an N95 respirator and a surgical mask over it. This way the surgical mask can protect the N95 mask from exposure and the surgical mask can be thrown away. In a healthcare environment is not recommended to use a surgical mask more than once. The mask should should be removed after potential exposure or damage, thrown away, and replaced with a new one. After disposing the mask properly always wash your hands.

N95 Respirators

N95 respirators are protection devices designed to fit snugly around the face and to filter airborne particles effectively. The respirator form seals around the nose and mouth. Surgical N95 Respirators are part of the N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs), also called N95s. The N95 respirator is commonly used in construction and other industrial settings where dust and small particles are present. Several regulations regulate their use: -National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) -CDC However, there is a growing trend since COVID-19 that has increased its use in the Healthcare field. Particularly, respiratory protective devices that are single-use, disposable, and worn by healthcare personnel during procedures. As a result, both the patient and the healthcare personnel are protected from body fluids microorganisms and particulate material.

Nitrile Exam Gloves

The Nitrile Examination Grade gloves play a vital role in every hospital’s safety program and are worn by many hospital employees. The gloves are a type of personal protective equipment that protects against contact with blood, urine, stool, needles, viruses, bacteria, and other serious health risks.  In addition to Nitrile Gloves there are a variety of other materials available that may be considered viable alternatives for hospitals but none typically offer the same level of fit and protection that Nitrile gloves offer.  Exam gloves and come in a wide range of sizes and styles including a variety of colors and thicknesses.  One of the critical considerations for hospitals is the testing against Chemotherapy Drugs.  Every box of gloves should be labeled with the Chemo drugs that they have been tested against and the resistance time.  This important information informs the nurse, doctor, or technician about the level of protection they will have when handling these dangerous drugs.  Another important consideration is testing against Fentanyl Citrate now one of the most dangerous opioids that can be absorbed through the skin quickly and cause an overdose.  To avoid confusion among staff about which glove to choose, hospitals prefer to standardize on a single glove that meets the specifications of the SPH Medical Safeko Nitrile Exam Gloves, Gen-X Nitrile Exam Glove, both1 with Chemo Drug testing.

Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks FAQ

Where can I purchase a Makrite N95 Mask, NIOSH N95 Mask, and Nitrile Exam Grade gloves? SPH Medical is a global distributor and trusted source for Makrite Industries. The company offers a variety of N95 mask options and Nitrile Exam Gloves online now at sphmedical.com. Makrite N95 respirators are not sold on Facebook or through online retailers like eBay, nor do we sell to individuals directly. The entire current production capacity is dedicated to industrial and healthcare customers. How do I know a NIOSH respirator is approved? To identify NIOSH-approved respirators, look for the NIOSH approval number shown on the mask and the packaging. A NIOSH logo will be found on the packaging. The fit testing instructions will also be found on the packaging. Ear loop style masks are not NIOSH approved. All N95 respirators that receive NIOSH approval have dual elastic headbands that enable the mask to achieve a proper fit without leakage. Who needs to wear a surgical N95 Respirator? A surgical N95 respirator is typically only used by healthcare professionals who need to protect themselves from fluids and any other airborne liquids. These respirators may be used outside of healthcare facilities but the standard N95 respirator offers the same level of filtration against dust, pollen, bacteria and viruses between 0.1 and 0.3 microns in size.

The EPD is used for Thoracentesis
CategoriesPatient Handling

Thoracentesis and the EPD

by sphmedicaladmin

Pneumonia, congestive heart failure, and certain types of cancer are some of the conditions that may require Thoracentesis (“Thora’s”). Doctors use this procedure to remove excess fluid from around your lungs in order to diagnose problems that are not obvious at first glance. However, “Thora’s”, epidurals, and spinal blocks are putting the health of patients and medical staff at risk. So, how do we safeguard patients and medical staff? The article discusses “Thora’s”, patient positioning, and patient and medical staff safety.

What is a Thoracentesis?

Thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing fluid from the chest wall and the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura). This space is called pleural space and it lies between these two areas and it usually contains only a thin layer of fluid. When there are at least four teaspoons of fluid in this pleural space, it is called pleural fusion. In the U.S., over 1.5 million people each year experience a pleural effusion. Many things can cause the fluid to build up. The fluid puts additional pressure on your lungs, making breathing difficult. To remove the excess fluid and figure out what is causing the buildup, doctors perform a “Thora’s”. Based on your underlying condition, your doctor may drain more or less fluid. Various diseases, like pneumonia, some forms of cancer, congestive heart failure, and many others, may result in excessive fluid accumulation (pleural effusion).

Common Reasons for Thoracentesis

Some uses for “Thora’s” includes:

  • Assist in relieving lung pressure
  • Treat symptoms like pain and shortness of breath
  • Finding the cause of excessive fluid in the pleural space
  • Ruling out an infection

Doctors can perform this procedure in offices, hospitals or imaging departments. Typically, imaging departments are favored because their ultrasound experts possess the equipment to correctly place the needle for drainage. Their sonographers generally handle all the setup and preparation required before procedures. So, when the patient is ready, the doctor can performs the procedure. The procedure also requires several clinical staff members. During “Thora’s”, the staff must manually position the patients on the table or bed. Manual handling of patients occurs throughout hospitals today. Similar to positioning patients for Thoracentesis, patients are also manually positioned for procedures like, spinal blocks and epidurals, not to mention all of the repositioning and turning of patients.  This has put strain on the health of RN’s, LVN’s, CNA’s, transport staff and anyone involved in direct patient care.  The risk of injury to nurses have increased over the years as patients continue to get heavier and our nursing population ages.

How the Procedure is Performed

In the past patients were positioned manually for Thoracentesis. Staff would have the patient sit comfortably on a bed or chair withImprove Patient Comfort and Staff Safety with SPH Medical's EPD their arms and heads leaning forward relaxed on a table. Usually, an LPN, nurse, or sonographer would help the patient in getting into the preferred position by maneuvering a bedside table and supporting the patient with a stool. It is possible to stack pillows on the table so the patient can lean forward in comfort. Unfortunately, many bedside tables have no locking mechanism, and they can tip over easily. Positioning the patient in a risky manner like using unstable tables with pillows is not beneficial to the medical staff or patients, and may result in a nursing injury. Even though studies show it takes on average 10 to 15 minutes to perform Thora’s. This old fashioned manual positioning simply puts patients and nursing staff at risk for injury. Several studies have shown that all levels of clinical and nursing staff are at risk for musculoskeletal disorders due to the high frequency of recurring manual patient handling tasks. However, in the past decade, the healthcare industry has made significant progress in reducing hospital and nursing injury risks by implementing evidence based Safe Patient Handling programs. With safe patient Handling and mobility devices, caregiver safety and quality of care can be enhanced.

Safe Patient Handling

Manual patient handling is a leading cause of nurse injuries. As a result, several states now require hospitals to follow Patient Handling laws. Each inpatient unit must be evaluated for high-risk tasks including lifting, pulling, pushing, or prolonged static holds, and ways to minimize the risks. Over the past two decades, patient care has advanced significantly, including many safe patient handling strategies and new technology like the Epidural Positioning Device (EPD). Also known as epidural chair, this device is effective at reducing injuries during spinal blocks, epidurals, and thoracentesis.

Epidural Positioning Device

The Epidural Positioning Device is a device used to position patients properly and comfortably by enabling the ideal spinal flexion of their thoracic, cervical, and lumbar areas while maintaining a stable and solid position. Supports for the chest, arms, and head can be manually adjusted to fit a variety of body types and sizes, and the back stays still during epidural insertion. The Epidural Chair is the best option for use in delivery suites, operating rooms, pain centers, and other areas where epidurals and spinal block are administered. The base of the EPD is known as the LDS base and features a height adjustable foot support for assisting with patient positioning and providing comfort. In addition, it includes a mount for the EPD, the upper section that is also height adjustable and includes the arm rests, chest support and face rest cushion. The upper section of the EPD can be attached via universal clamps to an operating table and adjusted in a similar manner.

2 min kill of pathogens using Oxydiff
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Cost of Hospital Acquired Infections

by sphmedicaladmin

Despite having a reputation for being one of the most sterile places one could ever visit, hospitals can sometimes be a breeding ground for infections. And this unsettling reality is well documented in multiple studies, one of which comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study revealed an estimated 1.7 million hospital patients develop a hospital-acquired infection every year in the U.S. These infections are byproducts of viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens. And these pathogens can cause bloodstream infections (BSIs), pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and surgical site infections (SSIs). But it does not end there; these pathogens can also increase a hospital patient’s chances of developing C. diff. For this very reason, SPH Medical encourages all hospitals to make OXYdiff their go-to hard surface disinfection product.

Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAI’s): What You May Not Have Known About  C. Diff

It is no surprise that patients sometimes develop infections while in a hospital, but what is surprising, however, is some infections are far more common than others, one of them being C. diff. Also known as Clostridioides difficile or C. difficile, C. diff is a hospital-acquired infection that causes severe diarrhea and increases a patient’s chances of developing colitis. C. diff accounts for roughly 200,000 of the 1.7 million hospital-acquired infections recorded each year, and the annual cost of treating them is over $6.3 billion. Along with diarrhea and an inflamed colon, which goes hand-in-hand with colitis, C. diff can cause the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Stomach tenderness or pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea

Why Is C. Diff So Common in Hospitals?

Studies show that C. diff is a bacterium that enters the body through the mouth. Individuals with C. diff often shed spores, which generally make their way onto surfaces throughout the hospital. If those surfaces do not undergo proper sanitizing, anyone who touches them and then touches their mouth with the same hand can develop C. diff themselves. For this very reason, SPH Medical encourages all hospitals to make OXYdiff, a broad-spectrum disinfectant approved by the U.S. Environment Protection (EPA) to kill C. diff, MRSA, and other harmful infections, their go-to hard surface disinfection product.

Choosing the Right Sanitizing Product Matters More Than You Might Think

When it comes to professional-grade sanitizers, some are just better than others. With a 2 min kill time for destroying C. diff spores and their associated pathogens, OXYdiff is a prime example of one of the better ones, surpassing even professional-grade bleach as it is non-corrosive. And you don’t have to wear protective equipment when handling it either.

What Does It Mean to Be on the EPA’s Emerging Pathogens Approval List?

The EPA awards what are known as emerging viral pathogen claims to products that have demonstrated an ability to kill hard-to-kill viruses based on previous EPA-approved claims, one of which is COVID-19. Because OXYdiff recently received this distinctive honor, the EPA, without pushing for additional testing, approved the sanitizer for killing COVID-19. In response, many hospitals nationwide have made it their sanitizer of choice.

Bottom Line

All in all, OXYdiff is a professional-grade sanitizer that safeguards the lives of patients while lowering the cost associated with keeping hospitals free of germs, viruses, and spore-forming bacteria. For more information regarding how this EPA approved, powerful sanitizer, comprising a patented no rinse no wipe solution, can benefit your hospital, consider contacting SPH Medical today.

Nitrile Exam Glove Testing 2021
CategoriesInfection Prevention

Supply Update for N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves

by sphmedicaladmin

N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves are vital materials for ensuring the safety of healthcare personnel, first responders, and the general public. We are seeing an increase in the use of these essential supplies here in the United States and abroad. What are the trends and availability for Nitrile Exam Gloves and NIOSH Certified N95 Masks in the future? Will there be adequate supply in the future? Or will we continue to see shortage, hoarding of supplies, and price spikes?

What are the trends here in the US?

The trend towards increased use of Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks is happening here in the US. This is likely due to the increasing awareness of the dangers of exposure to infectious diseases. And with the rise of incidents like the SarsCov2, the ever evolving new variants, and other pathogens it’s no wonder that in addition to our healthcare workers the general public are looking for ways to protect themselves.

But will this trend continue?

Experts believe that the awareness that Covid-19 has created about respiratory protection and surface disinfection has created a newSafety and Protection | SPH Medical trend towards personal protection. Prior to the pandemic, the NIOSH certified N95 Mask was always available and never in short supply. The global demand is currently being addressed and despite the supply chain traffic of container ships on our coastline, we are able to get these essential supplies to hospitals and those who need them. The prices have come back down to reasonable levels. When considering which N95 Mask to purchase it is always important that every individual is fit tested to ensure that they have a mask that fits properly without leakage. Hospitals have been doing fit testing for all their employees, thousands of them, and it is very time consuming. If there is a disruption in the supply chain and the hospital can’t access the specific types of masks that have been fitted to their employees they typically look for alternate sources to find these essential supplies. The NIOSH certified N95 mask has become one of the most important pieces of protective equipment for healthcare workers filtering out at least 95% of all particles, including those as small as 0.03 microns in size.

Nitrile Exam Gloves Protect Doctors and NursesNitrile Exam Gloves are the standard of care in hospitals and have been for decades. There are many manufacturers of FDA approved Nitrile Exam Grade gloves for hospitals but most of them are in South East Asia. Countries like Malaysia have access to the raw materials required to make Nitrile gloves and also have existing factories that produce tens of millions of gloves per month. Due to the high labor cost here in the us, high cost of setting up production facilities, and need to import the raw materials, we can expect to see global production of Nitrile Exam gloves remain offshore for some time.

N95 Masks and Nitrile Exam Gloves Testing

There are a number of different levels of tests that are performed on Exam Gloves to determine their resistance to breakage, leaks, puncture, and chemical resistance. Gloves often chosen for their strength, durability, and tactile sensitivity. Nitrile Exam Grade gloves also offer good protection against a variety of chemicals, including Chemotherapy Drugs and Fentanyl Citrate, when tested appropriately. The box for any product tested against Chemo Drugs should list the drugs that have been tested and the resistance time.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Mask are created equal. Make sure to do your research before purchasing these items to find the ones that are right for you.

Makrite N95 Masks are a great choice to protect you from hazardous particles. With an efficiency of 95% or more against non-oil based particles, the Makrite catalog of NIOSH Certified masks provides a wide variety of shapes and styles to fit any facial morphology.

These are essential items for frontline caregivers and first responders everywhere. SPH Medical is a trusted source and a global distributor for Makrite Industries and a direct importer with a documented chain of custody for all masks direct from the factory.

The future of N95 mask technology is evolving with direct customer feedback channeled to the Research and Development team at Makrite. New mask styles for comfort, fit, and performance are in development and final approval stages. We can expect to see several new mask styles released this year added to an already impressive catalog of disposable respirators that serve the entire globe.

Nitrile Exam Gloves and N95 Masks are two essential supplies that are now more essential than ever as the market for these products has expended to literally everyone in the world.

The Future of N95 MasksSPH Medical Delivers Surgical N95 Respirators

  • The new designs will offer a variety of fit options
  • They are also more comfortable to wear for long periods of time
  • There are more surgical N95 mask options that offer documented fluid resistance

The future of N95 Mask technology and performance is being redefined by Makrite and SPH Medical.

SPH Medical has over 10 years of experience in supplying healthcare safety products, and is are committed to meeting the needs of our customers. As a strategic sourcing supplier for health systems across all 50 states, hospitals contact SPH Medical when they need essential supplies urgently or on a consistent monthly basis.

SPH Medical provides reliable and secure access to the latest products and technology available to protect our caregivers.

Epidural Positioning Chair in Labor and Delivery
CategoriesPatient Handling

Leading Epidural Safety

by sphmedicaladmin

Patient and caregiver comfort and safety are at stake when performing spinal blocks before ortho surgeries and epidural placements for expectant mothers. These tasks are so common place in the Pre-Op area of the surgery department and on labor and delivery floors that nursing staff and nursing leadership often don’t consider the risk to their staff and patients.  Safety can be dramatically improved by using the original epidural positioning device. The device provides epidural safety by allowing nurses to position their patients restfully and properly, encouraging lumbar, cervical, and thoracic flexion.

What is an Epidural Positioning Chair?

Epidural positioning chairs came into existence about two decades ago. Invented by a renowned anesthesiologist, these chairs took some inspiration from modern-day massage chairs but have been designed to work in the clinical environment.  They’re created to offer stability, comfort, and accurate positioning in mind.  The chairs are used to ensure correct patient positioning during many different types of procedures. The chairs are widely used to position patients of size and obstetrics, increasing their comfort and safety.  The EPD or epidural positioner offers adjustable arm supports, a tilting and adjustable cushion for the face and head, and chest cushion that provides support and promotes the optimal flexion.  For patients using the EPD, their body position is stabilized which minimizes risk of errors by the anesthesiologist.  We’re finding new uses for the EPD in other areas of the hospital to support patients like the imaging department for Thoracentesis.  The adjustability of the EPD makes it adaptable to many different healthcare settings.

Where Is Epidural Positioning Device Used?

The device is primarily utilized in labor and delivery unit, pain centers, operating rooms, labor rooms, and surgery department units. The device has a variety of uses in the surgery department and also the device is used in medical centers where spinal and epidurals are conducted.  The EPD is the revolutionary alternative to manual positioning, which offers less stability, increases complication risks and puts staff at risk when trying to support or hold a patient in position.  The benefits of the device in departments such as labor and delivery unit where is often utilized have been measurable. The busy surgical department uses the device to prep patients for common ortho surgeries with spinal blocks, while nurses on the labor and delivery unit use it to position patients for epidural placement.  As mentioned above, the EPD has also found its way over to the imaging department where Ultrasound technicians are responsible for prepping patients for Thoracentesis.  The EPD is quickly becoming the standard of care in all three of these hospital departments.

What Are the Benefits of Epidural Safety?

Caregivers and nurses use epidural chairs in preoperative environments to position patients properly and seamlessly position their bodies steadily and comfortably. Unlike the manual task of positioning patients for a spinal block or epidural, which require holding stools or patients steadily so they don’t move an inch which clearly increases risk of injury to the caregiver, an epidural chair is comfortable and ergonomic. With these chairs, the risk of musculoskeletal injuries is significantly reduced by allowing the EPD to provide the support, not the nurse.  The following are the main benefits of using epidural positioning devices for epidural positioning.

  • The epidural chairs minimize strains, sprains and risk of musculoskeletal injuries
  • They encourage thoracic, lumbar, and cervical flexion, maintaining a stable and comfortable position
  • It maximizes patient comfort while some safe distancing for staff
  • Correct positioning increases the potential for needle placement accuracy, minimizing the risk of complications.
  • The EPD improves patient confidence, security, and satisfaction

Features of the Epidural Positioning Chair – the EPD

When considering the epidural positioning chair, you should consider the following features

  • Well-designed and portable with wheels that easily lock in place
  • A comfortable and adjustable face rest designed to attain and maintain perfect cervical flexion
  • Ergonomically designed armrest to offer enough stability and comfort to a patients’ arms
  • Lightweight and stable design
  • Adjustable and relaxingly designed footrest
  • 600lb weight capacity
  • Adjustable torso support to offer quality thoracic and lumbar flexion

The possible applications of epidural positioning chairs and the benefits the EPD can deliver to a healthcare facility are numerous. Patient and staff injuries and high risk of complications have been common issues medical facilities deal with regularly. With these efficient and effective positioning devices in place, the staff injury cases have been virtually eliminated while patient complications have significantly reduced. For the industry leading EPD used for Epidurals, spinal blocks and thoracentesis, along with any other safe patient handling to reduce workplace injuries, healthcare facilities must contact SPH Medical.

CategoriesPatient Handling

A Nurses Story About Safe Patient Handling

by sphmedicaladmin

You went into nursing because you wanted to help people feel better and become healthy. You knew you’d need to take care of yourself to keep up with all the running around, standing, bending, stretching, lifting, and general patient care. You also knew that providing face-to-face, hands-on, eye-to-eye care was a calling of the soul, not just a career. No robotic technology can ever replace the human touch and ability to provide hands on patient care, this includes safe patient handling practices. Personal interaction gives reassurance, hope, warmth, and a feeling of safety. Numerous studies celebrate the benefits of feel-good endorphins relieving pain and promoting healing.

Early in their professional training, nurses and aides learn about the hazards of immobility: the physical and emotional dangers of staying in the same position for long periods of time. Movement during and after recovery is life-saving for patients. Another part of training is the necessity for aides and nurses to use good body mechanics to protect their own bodies. Bad backs end careers. Poor lifting techniques result in back injuries, but so does the accumulation of micro-injuries repeated over time. Instructors emphasize the necessity of prioritizing safety by getting help instead of trying to perform a risky task alone.

In the real world, though, new nurses and aides were in for a shock as they encountered the reality of working in the healthcare field.  In the past, tight budgets usually opted for physical labor over technology. As a new nurse, you didn’t realize how much manual lifting, limb holding, pushing, and pulling was required to perform general patient care tasks all day long. While working on the Medical floor, I cared for 5 patients that required boosting, turning, assistance out of bed, ambulation assistance, toilet transfers, dressing changes, linen changes, limb holding and more. These were all manual tasks that took their toll on my back, neck and shoulders. Even when we had help from a second nurse, one person seemed to be doing more of the work. Even with two people it wasn’t safe.

How do patients feel when they call for assistance but end up waiting long periods of time before anybody comes? How is it lying in cold urine until a lone staff member limps in, unable to find an available second helper? Statistics reveal that a major cause of falls in medical settings is patients trying to get up instead of waiting for help. Nurses and aides alike will agree that one of the things patients overwhelmingly want most is assistance getting comfortable or going to the bathroom. Sadly, patients often confess feeling guilty calling for help from their exhausted aides and nurses, confiding that they don’t want to be a burden, either emotionally or physically. And they don’t have to!

Innovative biomedical engineers have designed wonderful products that make life better for people with illnesses and disabilities. Considering the miracles that modern technology has achieved, nurses, aides, and patients benefit in the following ways when using the RoWalker for early Mobility, MiniLift200 for sit to stand transfers, the breathable repositioning sheet for boosting and turning, the EPD for help during epidurals and spinal blocks, and the SPH Medical Air Assisted Transfer System because lateral transfers and boosting occurs everywhere:

  • Improved patient mobility
  • Reduced Risk of falls
  • Improvement in strength and endurance
  • Reduction in delirium
  • Reduced risk of injury to hospital staff
  • Reduced friction on patients skin
  • Improved staff morale
  • Nursing retention and career longevity

Facilities such as hospitals, surgery centers, extended care facilities, rehab centers, day centers, and private homes also benefit.

Repositioning injuries from pulling patients up in bed or readjusting their joint alignment with pillows is common in nursing staff.  This boosting task is also one of the most frequent causes of injury to nurses.  The Lateral Transfer, that is helping with a patient move from the bed to a wheelchair, recliner, or stretcher, is often the riskiest because the patient’s full weight is involved.  Patients often move and shift during repositioning and lateral transfers. Newton’s Second Law of Motion (describing a force to equal to mass plus velocity over time) translates to Nursing Injury, staff reduction, compromise in patient care, and increased hospital costs.  Gait belts and draw sheets we thought were better than nothing but they can transmit infection, disturb wound dressings, and cause pinching and abrasion of delicate skin.  There are safer methods now to lift, move, transfer, hold, and ambulate patients using modern safe patient handling techniques that are simple and easy to use.

Not only can they save staff members time and energy, but they inspire patient confidence in medical facilities. Investing in equipment that protects staff and benefits patients offers a proven Return On Investment because it proves to staff and patients alike corporation recognizes and values their work, safety, and cares about their welfare.  Patients also see how the administration functions as a team instead of driving their workforce to exhaustion.

Assistive devices to aid in lateral transfers such as the SPH Medical Air Mat have the ability to save hospitals hundreds of thousands of dollars in direct medical expenses not to mention the indirect cost of staff injuries that are estimated to be three to ten times the cost of direct medical expenses.

This nurse for one is thankful that modern Safe Patient Handling has arrived.  I just wish it was here 30 years ago! I left the workforce with a severe back injury coupled with damaged shoulders and too many strains and sprains to count. Please investigate the appropriate assistive devices for your healthcare environment by consulting the experts at SPH Medical. I know they would be happy to help.

CategoriesPatient Handling

Safe Positioning During Epidurals

by sphmedicaladmin

Epidural Pain Relief: Positioning Device

An Epidural Chair is a positioning device that helps keep patients and nursing staff safe. The EPD provides safe positioning during epidurals by reducing risk of injury and providing a comfortable and stable position throughout epidural or spinal block injections and other similar procedures. The EPD is a massive improvement over manual positioning techniques, where nurses would provide an unstable bedside table with a pillow to lean on and then somehow position the patients feet on a stool or chair. The old fashioned manual handling method of positioning patients presents many risks to staff and patients that the Epidural Chair solves with ease.

The EPD is a revolutionary, modern patient positioning device that can typically be found in three hospital departments including Labor and Delivery, Surgery, and Imaging. In the Labor and Delivery unit expectant mothers are positioned safely for an epidural injection to reduce the pain of labor and childbirth. The surgery department is using the EPD for Spinal Blocks which are now commonplace for ortho surgeries. Those patients about to undergo surgery for a total knee often get a Spinal Block and the hospital staff are faced with positioning them safely just like the L&D patients. The imaging department is typically using the EPD to position patients during Thoracentesis; a procedure that involves draining the plural cavity between the lungs from excess fluid. In all cases the Epidural Chair provides a stable and comfortable platform that improves staff safety by removing the manual handling, positioning, and static holds. It also prevents unexpected reflex movement and spinal block by using the device’s adjustable features.

Importance of Safe Positioning During Epidurals

Proper positioning involves properly maintaining a neutral body alignment and flexed spine position to open up the vertebral spaces to enable correct needle placement while avoiding unexpected patient movement.

Stable, Comfortable, and Safe

Preparing for childbirth or a joint replacement can’t be described as comfortable. However hospital staff try their best to make patients feel comfortable and safe. In the past the nurse assisting the patient would be doing all patient care tasks manually, meaning that they would be pushing, pulling and holding patients to achieve the proper positioning. Now nursing and anesthesia technicians have the EPD. The EPD provides a stable platform for the patient to lean on and hold rather than the nurse.  It improves patient comfort with the soft padded surfaces and reduces patients’ anxiety. Patient safety and staff safety are improved with the SPH Medical Epidural Chair.

Maintaining Patients’ Dignity

As patients are getting larger and heavier hospital staff are faced with patient care tasks that put them at risk of injury.  Often times patients of significant size feel self conscious about their weight and the need for extra hospital staff to assist them compared to normal sized patients. Using the right type of assistive tools like the SPH Medical EPD. The EPD has a 600 lb weight capacity enables nursing staff to use one standardized device for all patients and provides safe positioning during epidurals.  It no longer has to be an exception or all hands on deck call to other staff members to come and help support this patient. The use of the EPD can improve a patients’ sense of dignity and satisfaction about the care they received in the hospital.

Maximum Visibility and Access

The EPD helps the patient achieve the optimum position for needle placement and reduces the risk of complications below.Improve Patient and Nurse Safety with EPD

Risks to the Patient

Epidural injections are typically safe, but they have certain side effects that affect people differently. The side effects include:

  • Low blood pressure. Your blood pressure may fall slightly after having an epidural. In some patients, the situation escalates, increasing the odds of other dangers to a subject.
  • Inadequate pain relief. The injection may not block your pain entirely.
  • Breathing problems. This is common in patients with respiratory-related complications.
  • Temporal nerve damage. Though uncommon, the needle can damage the nerves when handled wrongfully.
  • Infections. They are primarily skin-related conditions around the injected area.

The EPD Provides Safe Positioning During Epidurals:

  • Patients’ Fear and Anxiety resulting in sudden movements.  Nurses supporting a patient manually are at risk of injury when a patient makes a sudden movement in the wrong direction.
  • Holding or supporting patients – ie static holds
  • Applying counter-pressure
  • Trying to hold onto a patient and the bedside table and a stool all at the same time
  • Catching a falling patient

Transmission of infections is a concern in hospital and surgical departments. Hospital staff have infection prevention nurses that develop evidence based plans for the hospital and every department. Using an EPD has been an essential tool during the era of COVID-19. It allows for a fewer nurses to provide safe positioning during epidurals with minimal contact and it is easily cleaned and disinfected.

SPH Medical and Safe Positioning During Epidurals

In conclusion, the Epidural Positioning Device, or Epidural Chair, is a valuable if not essential tool that can improve both patient safety and nursing safety in multiple hospital departments.

Improve Epidural Safety with the EPD
CategoriesPatient Handling

Equal Safety for Patients and Nurses During Epidurals

by sphmedicaladmin

The epidural positioning device is used in Labor and Delivery Unit to improve the positioning of patients during epidurals and in the surgical area for spinal blocks. Its main function is to provide support for the patient during the procedure and to minimize risk of injury to the caregiver. Epidural pain relief provides comfort for patients by reducing back pain by positioning them properly. It also helps in increasing the speed and accuracy of epidural injections. The device can be used in sitting, reclining, standing, or lying down.

Risks of Epidurals and Spinal Block Procedure to Patients

The surgery department is using the EPD to position patients for Spinal Blocks. Surgeons are now opting to use Spinal Blocks for their patients and many common surgical procedures due to the fast recovery time. Perioperative staff are now busier than every administering them. In addition to the manual patient handling required by surgical staff to position patients without them moving suddenly, Spinal Block procedures involve many risks to patients. These risks are often caused by wrong positioning during the procedure. Patients can be positioned in any way. However, if they are not placed correctly, there is a risk of injuring some parts of the body, like nerve endings and blood vessels that transport oxygen to different parts of the body.

The risks include:

a) Nerve damage

Injury to nerve endings is the most common problem during epidural injections procedures. The damage can cause numbness and pain in patients’ legs, arms, or spine.

b) Blood vessel damage

Direct injury to blood vessels that provide oxygen to different body parts occurs by wrong positioning during the procedure. The damage can cause problems with blood flow and lead to severe medical conditions.

c) Back pain and discomfort

Inaccuracy of injections can cause back ligaments, tendons, or muscle tissues. This may lead to severe pain in these parts. There is a risk of injuries if patients lie down while they get epidurals instead of sitting upright position where weight distribution favors the accuracy of epidural needle placement.

d) Procedure time increase

Incorrect patient positioning during the procedure causes slow speed and accuracy in injecting medicine into the body or blocking the spinal cord. It increases the actual procedures time, which hospitals have to pay more money for longer treatments, which is mostly not affordable.

Benefits of Proper Positioning During Epidurals

The use of epidural positioning device in the surgery department helps position patients precisely so that the risks associated with incorrect positioning and stability are minimized.

The benefits of using this device are:

a)Increased accuracy of injections

EPD helps properly place an epidural needle into the spinal cord, which results in more accurate injections. This means a faster procedure with less pain and discomfort for patients.

b) Reduced back pain

The device helps in reducing back pain and discomfort by comfortably positioning patients. It makes the procedure less painful for them, and they can relax during the treatment.

c) Reduced risk of nerve and blood vessel damage

When patients are positioned correctly with the epidural chair, there is a reduced risk of injuring nerve endings or blood vessels. This decreases the chances of injury that might cause numbness, pain, or lesions.

d) Reduced procedure time

The device helps reduce the duration of epidural injection procedures by increasing the accuracy of injections. It reduces costs for patients as the hospital will not charge them more money for more extended treatment. Also, it is beneficial from hospitals’ point because they don’t have to pay more money for more lengthy procedures.

e) Improved patient comfort and satisfaction

The use of epidural positioning device during epidurals provides the maximum possible comfort level for patients during the procedure. The epidural pain relief device improves patients’ overall experience with this treatment to be satisfied with it. Also, increased injections accuracy helps them reduce back pain and discomfort, which makes them feel better during the treatment.

Risks to Nurses

Nurses are also at risk during both the epidural and the spinal block procedures if the patient is not positioned correctly and supported well to avoid movement.
Some of the risks to nurse are:

  • Back pain and discomfort
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Strains and Sprains
  • Severe musculoskeletal injuries that affect their ability to work in the future
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome. This is a condition where the nerves around the wrist get compressed and results in pain, numbness, and tingling sensation in the fingers.

Nurses Leaders are recommending that their nurses should use the EPD to minimize these risks and provide better patient care. The device helps in the safe and accurate positioning of patients, which reduces the chances of any injury or discomfort. It makes their job easier, and they can provide better care to patients with less risk.

The epidural chair helps in improving safety and comfort for patients getting an epidural injection in the surgery department. It helps reduce back pain and discomfort by positioning patients correctly, improving procedure time by increasing the accuracy of injections, and overall patient satisfaction.

The EPD should be appropriately used to avoid risks related to incorrect patient positioning. Nurses in the labor and delivery unit can also use this device to position themselves correctly while working so that they are less likely to get injured during the procedure.

Air Powered Transfer and Positioning System
Categoriesair transfer systems

Lateral Transfers and The Risk of Positioning a Patient in Hospitals

by sphmedicaladmin

You may think hospitals are safe workplaces, but they are actually among the most dangerous. In fact, a study by OSHA found that, at hospitals, 7 out of 100 full-time employees sustain an injury. Medical staff in hospitals must perform strenuous physical activity all day long. In both the ICU and OR, the medical team handles lateral transfers of patients who require total care. It is not unusual for a nurse to transfer a patient from bed to CT table, OR table, gurney, and back again. Nursing staff perform this task dozens of times, along with patient repositioning, turning, and boosting, making it clear why nurses are prone to repositioning injuries.

What are lateral transfers?

Lateral transfers and patient repositioning involve moving a patient from one surface to another, like a bed to a gurney. Most of this work is done manually by a few medical staff members, placing them at risk for injury. In fact, the American Nursing Association estimates that nurses move an average of 1.8 tons per eight-hour shift. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the high movement level among medical professionals puts them at risk for 31.1 percent more musculoskeletal disorders. Due to the friction between sheets and boards, this makes this task unsafe. Improper positioning can lead to injury or even death for the patient. All departments of the hospital perform transfer and repositioning tasks. The intensive care unit, emergency room, radiology, medical units, and surgery are among them.

The Costs and Consequences of Injury Due to Lateral Transfers

The consequences of occupational musculoskeletal injuries are detrimental to nurses. Beside the cost of medical expenses, litigation, disability compensation, and nursing injuries are also expensive due to absenteeism, chronic pain, functional disability, and turnover. Approximately 20% of nurses leave direct patient care jobs for safety reasons. According to statistics, the healthcare industry spends roughly $20 billion annually on direct and indirect costs associated with back injuries. In addition, employees who suffer from pain and fatigue may be less attentive, less productive, more prone to further injuries, and may consequently have a negative effect on the health and safety of others.

The Federal Government is aware of the increased risk of repositioning injury and nursing injury in the medical industry. In 2015, the national government passed new legislation governing patient handling to protect nurses and healthcare workers. This Act aims to make healthcare facilities a safer place to work for caregivers.

There are options to reduce forces and the risk of injuries, making it safe for medical staff. One option is air transfer devices. In this article, we will define the devices and highlight their benefits.

What are Air-Powered Lateral Transfer Systems?

An air-powered system is used to elevate patients in bed, reducing another potentially hazardous task known as “boosting a patient” or repositioning. The system comprises a hose, an inflatable pad, an easy-to-use air supply, and a power cord. A pump is inserted into the pad when the patient is positioned on the air-powered lateral transfer system. As soon as the mattress is inflated, the patient can be moved. The air-powered systems include straps that hold the patient securely during lateral transfers. They have convenient handles that make it easy for nurses to transfer patients between surfaces.

In most cases, patients’ lifting or pulling weight is reduced to about ten percent of their body weight. There is virtually no friction under the pad when moving from one surface to another, so moving patients can be done with minimal caregiver exertion. This reduces nurse injuries.

Benefits of SPH Medical’s Air Transfer System

A hospital’s primary concern is protecting the long-term health of its employees. Air-powered systems provide a solution that requires less labor from hospital staff. Two staff members can transfer a patient safely rather than waiting for at least 4 staff members to perform the transfer. The air-powered systems also provide a safer, less strenuous, and more dignified way for patients to be handled. The Air Transfer System allows patients to float between surfaces easily. There is less risk of bruises, bumps, or manual handling during transfers. Using these systems can drastically reduce the amount of stress on nursing staff. This reduces the risk of injuries from predictable and repetitive patient handling tasks. Healthcare facilities are investing more in disposable pads considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic concerns.

Single Patient Use Air Transfer Mattress

Having a single patient use air transfer mattress is the backbone of any safe patient handling program. Why? It solves the high-risk and high-frequency manual patient handling tasks. This mat aims to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections by reducing cross-contamination and solving the laundry dilemma (things frequently get lost in the laundry or take days/weeks to return to the unit!) It creates a thin air cushion beneath an inflated mattress that reduces friction and allows patients to float. The benefits include:

  • Inventory management is easier
  • Accessible to nurses
  • Eliminates the need to do laundry
  • Reduce the risk of infection and cross-contamination
  • Proven and cost-effective.
  • Breathable and can remain under patients for a long time

Conclusion

Transferring patients is one of the most common tasks performed by hospital personnel. This can be tricky work, especially when the forces involved in these lateral transfers are high, posing a significant risk of musculoskeletal injury for caregivers. Caregivers can avoid injury by using friction-reducing devices like the SPH Medical Air Transfer and Positing System. These devices reduce the force required to complete the transfer and make this task much safer.

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